PAH and your healthcare team

October 29 2018

When living with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) you may be cared for by a range of health professionals, each of whom specialises in a different aspect of your treatment. Working with you, the team will develop a treatment plan to ensure you are provided with the best care. You may have different types of specialists depending on the cause of your PAH and the stage.

Your healthcare team is likely to include:

PAH specialist: A doctor who has been specially trained in diagnosis, treatment and management of PAH. Most of these specialists are pulmonologists (lung doctors) or cardiologists (heart doctors).

PAH nurses: Help with things like information about treatments, managing side effects and providing you with contact details for other support services.

Social workers: Assist with advocacy, referrals to other services within and external to the health care service, accessing financial help, education, resourcing and other practical assistance. They can also refer you to counselling and targeted therapeutic services.

Occupational therapists: Assist with equipment that might make things easier at home.

Dietitians: Provide dietary advice and strategies for maintaining a healthy body weight as well as other dietary problems.

Pastoral care and spiritual/religious care: Assist with psychological and community support, as well as spiritual and religious support.

Physiotherapists: Develop exercise programs tailored to your lifestyle and personal needs. It is best to have guidance from someone who is familiar with PAH. Ask for recommendations from your treating centre or contact our freecall Information and Support Centre.